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been restricted, but to all other parts visitors have had free access, 
His home is known as Glen Iris, a name early conferred upon it 
by Mr. Letchworth, suggested by the beautiful rainbows which 
form constantly on bright days in the mists which rise from the 
middle fall. 
From a private park, private only in the sense that it belonged 
to a private citizen, it was but a step to the broader outlook of a 
public park, and eventually we find Mr. Letchworth seriously 
considering the step to which I have already alluded — its free 
gift to the eile asa public park or reservation. A committee 
mittee called on Governor Hughes, explaining their mission, and 
it is said that he responded as follows: ‘In the midst of so 
many calls from people who are asking for something from the 
state, it is a novel and delightful sensation to have some one offer 
to give something Zo the state. This is certainly a most generous 
benefaction.”” On January 10, 1907, a bill was introduced into 
the legislature providing for the acceptance of this gift A week 
later the assembly passed this unanimously, but in the senate 
opposition developed. An amended bill was there proposed, 
ut, on the insistence of Mr. Letchworth, the original bill was 
finally passed by that body on the twenty-third with but four 
opposing votes, and on the twenty-fourth it became a law by the 
addition of the governor's signature. 
The bill provides that “the land therein conveyed shall be for- 
ever dedicated to the purpose of a public park or reservation, 
subject only to the life use and tenancy of said William Pryor 
Letchworth, who shall have the right to make changes and im- 
provements thereon.”” The bill also provides that after the death 
the donor, control and jurisdiction of the tract shall be in the 
hands of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, 
of which Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan is honorary president, and 
Mr. Geo. F. Kunz, the noted gem expert, president, thus placing 
it in safe’hands. Early in February the senate and assembly 
adopted a concurrent resolution conferring the name of Letch- 
worth Park upon this tract in honor of its donor. 
